7 Steps To Making Better Coffee at Home

Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or a fan of pour-over brews, check out these 7 essential steps to elevate your coffee game.

1. Selecting Coffee Beans

The selection can be overwhelming – we get it. The first question we normally ask is "How do you brew your coffee?" 

Most of our coffee options are roasted to suit espresso of filter-style brewing methods. While you can still use filter roasts in espresso and vice versa, they can be more difficult to brew.

So to get started, opt for beans specifically roasted for your brewing style to ensure the best flavour. We typically recommend our bestsellers for each type - such as our Meebz Blend and Premium Blend for espresso, and Java Gold for filter. This way, you'll have a reliable starting point for discovering your preferred coffee. 

2. Aging Coffee Beans

Fresh is great but not always the best!  Coffee beans release gases after roasting, and consuming them too soon can result in suboptimal flavour. Learn more about ageing your coffee here.  Letting the beans age for 2-4 weeks often yields smoother, more flavorful results. Keep in mind that roast styles and bean varieties may age differently, so experiment with aging to find the perfect balance. This is especially the case with our beans as we use a convection-style air roaster.  

3. Storing Coffee Beans

Coffee deteriorates when frequently exposed to oxygen or the atmosphere.  If you have a bag of coffee, the constant opening/closing of the bag will deteriorate significantly faster than a bag of coffee left sealed and unopened.

If you have a small bag that will get consumed in a quick timeframe (a few weeks to a month) then you will probably drink all of it before it starts to lose its flavour. If you have a larger bag that you plan on keeping for a longer period, it’s best to divide it into smaller portions, keeping one container for current use and sealing the rest.

Always store your beans in a cool, dark place like a cupboard pantry, away from direct heat or light.

Freezer/refrigerator?  No.  While some commercial settings use this for cases like single dosing an exact amount, we do not recommend this for everyday home brewing.

4. Espresso Machine Tips

To keep a very complex topic simple and to get you making good coffee as fast as possible we will cover the vital components of fast-tracking yourself to good coffee:

•    Grind Consistency: The grind controls the speed of extraction (coffee liquid being extracted from the machine).  If the espresso extraction runs too fast or too slow, it will be the determining factor in tasting sour or bitter.  The grind consistency is the most important factor in getting a good cup of coffee and also the most difficult.

•    Espresso Extraction: Adjust the grind to achieve the desired espresso extraction time (measured in seconds from the moment you press the button to start the extraction to the moment the liquid stops dripping).  Most coffee products will suggest an ideal extraction range to aim for.

•    Dose: this is the process of distributing the ground coffee into the handle (portafilter).  Aim for a level and even distribution and attempt to have this consistent every time.

• Milk Steaming: the milk is stretched (creating foam) when the tip of the steam wand is just below the surface of the milk.  Use this knowledge to manipulate the amount of foam you desire by lowering or raising the milk just according to how the milk sounds when steaming.

5. Filter Brewing Tips

For those who enjoy filter brewing methods like pour-over or French press, here are some tips to help enhance your soft brews:

•    Grind Consistency: as with espresso, this is the most important factor in achieving a good-tasting soft brew and the grind is assessed by the flow time when brewing with a dripper or adjusted depending on taste with the likes of a plunger or immersion brewer.

•    Measure: Consistency is key.  Use a scale to measure both your coffee and water for consistent results.

•    Brew Time: A common mistake with the plunger/filter is to brew the coffee too long.  This will change depending on different styles of coffee but shorter times often result in cleaner, more balanced flavors.

•    Water Temperature: Use water just off the boil.  The easiest way to do this is to distribute hot water from your kettle into another vessel before it comes into contact with the coffee.

6. General Brewing Tips

Regardless of the method, here are some universal tips for brewing great coffee at home:

•    Use Fresh, Filtered Water: The quality of water significantly impacts the flavour.  Ensure that the water is not too hot (just off the boil), as this will also affect your brew.

•    Measure Precisely: Use a scale to measure coffee and water accurately for consistency.

•    Preheat Equipment: This ensures the coffee stays at the optimal temperature throughout the process.

•    Experiment with Ratios: Different brew ratios can highlight different aspects of the coffee's flavour. Start with the recommended ratio and adjust to your taste.

6. Maintenance/Cleanliness

Coffee beans contain oils that into contact with the equipment being used.  These oils accumulate within your machine, grinder and filter, resulting in off-flavours.  Use the appropriate cleaner to maintain your equipment as this will not only extend the life of your equipment but improve the flavour of your coffee.

Conclusion

Brewing coffee at home is a journey that can be both fun and rewarding.  It’s an ongoing process of learning and experimenting and can easily turn into an expensive and detailed hobby for some!  By selecting quality beans, maintaining your equipment, and experimenting with different brewing methods, you can enjoy a perfect cup of coffee every time.

For more detailed guides and training, visit our website and explore our extensive resources on making the most of your coffee experience.